HILLIARD, Ohio — The Hilliard Division of Police is warning of a package scam being reported that attempts to steal information. It’s an updated take on a “brushing” scam.
A brushing scam, according to the Better Business Bureau, is where a package shows up that wasn’t ordered. Usually, these packages lack a return address and are small items. Shady online retailers then use the recipient's name to write fake reviews.
“It could be anything. It could be a pair of socks, a bottle of fingernail polish, a small piece of cheap trinket jewelry,” said Hilliard police Sgt. Kristopher Settles.
This scam indicates that some of the recipient’s personal information has fallen into the hands of the retailer.
The BBB recommends that if you get one of these packages, you should pull your credit report and check your bank statements to ensure that everything is where it should be.
The scam has now taken another step. According to Sgt. Settles, the senders are now including QR codes in the packaging to trick the recipient. He said don’t fall for it and don’t scan it.
“With that QR code, there are instructions along with it that says, 'If you didn’t order this package or reach our return or refund department, please scan here,'" he said. “As soon as you’ve scanned that QR code with your phone, you’ve now opened yourself up, your phone, your other accounts, to links that are hidden in that QR code.”
Sgt. Settles said the department hasn't received any reports of this happening in Hilliard but believes there have been reports in other jurisdictions in central Ohio.
The BBB said if you or someone you know receives one of the packages, you aren't obligated to pay for the item inside. You can keep it. If you don't want it, you can donate it or throw it out.